Family is very important for Pilot, which has been a family-owned business for 63 years, and this tradition rings true with Jim and Daniel Abshire. In 1971, Jim Abshire was the second driver ever hired by Pilot. Based in Virginia, Jim became the company’s first lead driver and drove for Pilot for 42 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, Daniel joined Pilot in 1980 at the age of 21, and eventually assumed the role of lead driver when Jim retired from the position in 2013.
“The Abshire family and Pilot transportation are synonymous,” Jim Haslam, founder and chairman emeritus of Pilot, said. “Daniel is the best. And that’s because he learned from the best—his father, Jim. This job requires patience, endurance, and a deep regard for everyone on the road. We are very proud of these two long and legendary careers and it’s an honor to recognize Daniel for his 40 years at Pilot with this specially designed Peterbilt truck.”
J.B. Hunt commits $5M to Arkansas Children’s hospital
J.B. Hunt is committing $1 million annually for five years to support future expansion at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. This new commitment brings J.B. Hunt’s overall investment in Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) to $10 million. J.B. Hunt made a $5 million leadership gift in 2016 to support the construction of ACNW, and this additional $5 million investment supports future capital expansion.
"J.B. Hunt is proud to extend our support for Arkansas Children’s as it continues advancing pediatric healthcare in this region," John Roberts, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt, said. "The hope that these extremely talented, driven professionals bring to our community is very special, and helping Arkansas Children’s expand its services and capabilities will benefit the diverse needs of the Northwest Arkansas community."